Note: This message was originally sent on April 30, 2019
Good morning,
Blaine’s memory of participating in the Lilac Bloomsday Run as Spike is part of the reason we chose his story to share this week - given the annual race will take place this Sunday morning. However, going beyond this spirited memory, we were inspired by his family’s decision to support GU students AND to encourage them to remain in Spokane……their story is below, enjoy…
Blaine French (’93, ’02) and his wife, Pamela established the (endowed) Spokane Regional Scholarship in 2013 to help offer local students the opportunity to attend Gonzaga. They hope these students will then remain in the community as Spokane civic and business leaders.
Blaine graduated from Gonzaga in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He later returned to earn his master’s in business administration in 2002. His favorite memory from his days on campus involved running Bloomsday as Spike, the University’s mascot. “It was very hot,” he said. “I am sure they retired that mascot costume after the race.”
Blaine believes Gonzaga’s commitment to the Ignatian philosophy of teaching is still transforming his life. “It is easy to state this as a philosophy, but much harder to truly deliver,” Blaine said. “Gonzaga delivers and has delivered for me. I left the University with critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.”
Blaine and Pamela met in Spokane, where she grew up. They have three children—a son and twin daughters. “My experiences at Gonzaga had, and are continuing to have, a very positive effect on me and my family’s lives,” he said. “Because of this, when structuring our philanthropic giving, Gonzaga was a clear leader.” Jacqueline, the 2018-2019 recipient of the Spokane Regional Scholarship shared her gratitude by saying, “Being able to attend Gonzaga University has been one of the biggest blessings in my life, and has opened doors for me I didn't know could be opened. I have endless appreciation for people like you who are investing in the lives of our future and making possible opportunities for people who may not have the means to create these opportunities for themselves. Thank you.”
PS – Don Kardong, Seattle Prep alumnus and founder of the Lilac Bloomsday Run, recently spoke on campus as the 2019 Pigott Entrepreneurship Lecture. Don retires after this year’s race and will be handing over the race director reigns to GU alumnus, Jon Neill. So, very soon, we will see two of Spokane’s major sporting/community events run by GU alumni, with the other one being Hoopfest, which Matt Santangelo serves as the executive director. Best wishes to Don K and all the Bloomies that will race this weekend!
Note, The Pigott Entrepreneurship Lecture is made possible through a permanent endowment established by the Mark and Cindy Pigott family to educate the next generation of global leaders. Learn about other lectures and events hosted by the School of Business Administration here.